Singer Nitte Vänskä (ex-BATTLE BEAST) and keyboardist Jarkko Väisänen have officially joined Finland’s BURNING POINT.
Says the band: “[In] 2009, when we parted ways with [keyboardist] Pasi [Hiltula], we decided we would continue without an ‘official’ player in the band and use a ‘hired gun’ in the gigs. Jarkko was our first choice and he has been with us for a while now. He is a solid player and really cool guy to be with. We are very happy that he decided to join BURNING POINT ranks as an official keyboardist.”
BURNING POINT’s Pete Ahonen, who has been handling vocals and guitar for the band since its inception, has decided to step down from the singer position and continue playing guitar for the group.
“Well, it has been a one helluva ride for 15 years to handle both, vocals and guitar, but now we thought it was time to try something totally new,” Pete says. “I love playing and singing live, I love to be on the spotlight…but also I want the band to be in constant motion and moving forward.
“Nitte is perfect choice as a new frontma…oh woman — very powerful voice and an awesome stage performer!”
Adds Nitte: “These guys are awesome and the music, just great! I love all the BURNING POINT songs!
“I’ve been away from the world of heavy metal for a while now, but now with these guys, I am back!
“I’m very excited and anxious to start recording the new stuff and just waiting to be on stage with BURNING POINT.”
BURNING POINT will enter the studio within two weeks to begin recording a new album with the working title of Polttopiste.